Can’t-Wait Paris Showdowns: Next Chapter of Kaylee McKeown vs. Regan Smith Backstroke Rivalry Brewing (All-Time Rankings)

Can’t-Wait Paris Showdowns: Next Chapter of Kaylee McKeown vs. Regan Smith Rivalry Brewing (All-Time Rankings)

With the Olympic Games in Paris just four months away, anticipation for specific showdowns will enhance by the day. One particularly attractive rivalry will arrive in the women’s backstroke events, where Australian Kaylee McKeown and the United States’ Regan Smith are likely to battle for gold.

Last summer, McKeown and Smith went gold-silver in each of the backstroke events at the World Championships in Fukuoka. The previous year, Smith was the world champion in the 100 backstroke. Meanwhile, McKeown swept the backstroke events at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, with Smith earning bronze in the 100 back.

Most recently, Smith and McKeown exchanged sensational in-season performances in both the 100 backstroke and the 200 backstroke. While racing at the TYR Pro Series stop in Westmont, Illinois, Smith clocked 57.64 in the 100 backstroke and went 2:03.99 in the 200 back. A few days later, at the NSW State Championships, McKeown was timed in 57.57 in the 100 back and 2:04.21 in the 200 backstroke.

To add a little more spice to the rivalry, the all-time backstroke lists are dominated by McKeown and Smith. Together, they own the top-12 times in the 100 backstroke, with McKeown owning eight marks. In the 200 backstroke, McKeown and Smith own 15 of the 17-fastest times ever recorded.

Given their performances through the years, and their superb midseason marks, it wouldn’t be a surprise if we see sub-57 and sub-2:03 efforts during the summer campaign.

100 Backstroke (All-Time Rankings)
Kaylee McKeown – 57.33
McKeown – 57.45
McKeown – 57.47
McKeown – 57.50
McKeown – 57.53
McKeown – 57.57
Regan Smith – 57.57
McKeown – 57.63
McKeown – 57.63
Smith – 57.64
Smith – 57.65
Smith – 57.68

200 Backstroke (All-Time Rankings)
Kaylee McKeown – 2:03.14
Regan Smith – 2:03.35
Smith – 2:03.69
McKeown – 2:03.70
Smith – 2:03.80
McKeown – 2:03.85
Smith – 2:03.99
Missy Franklin – 2:04.06
McKeown – 2:04.21
Smith – 2:04.27
McKeown – 2:04.28
McKeown – 2:04.31
McKeown – 2:04.49
McKeown – 2:04.64
McKeown – 2:04.68
Smith – 2:04.76
Franklin – 2:04.76

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JonathanNC

1 month ago

I’m always rooting for my home-state hero Claire Curzan to throw down something great. Surely she will excel, but this article changes the flavor for me. It’s amazing how closely matched McKeown and Smith are, reading the see-saw list of all-time top swims. Maybe somebody else will surprise me/us, but this article has focused me on the McKeown-Smith show. They have earned their places at the top. (plus, a nostalgic nod to Missy Franklin for retaining a toe-hold on the list…)

Michael Gorvitz

1 month ago

Reply to JonathanNC

Reagan Smith is a great talent, but has psychological problems. She rarely posts her best results at major meets. If she is able to overcome this problem, she’ll have a good chance not only to win backstroke competition, but also 200 fly.